I Tested Different Gameboy Advance SP Housings: Which One Is Worth Your Money?
When I first picked up my old Gameboy Advance SP, I was instantly transported back to countless hours of gaming joy. But over time, the wear and tear on its housing became impossible to ignore. The Gameboy Advance SP housing isn’t just a shell; it’s the very first impression and the protective armor for a device that holds so many memories. Whether you’re looking to restore your handheld to its former glory or simply want to understand what makes its design so unique, exploring the ins and outs of Gameboy Advance SP housing opens up a fascinating world of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and customization.
I Tested The Gameboy Advance Sp Housing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – Console & Screen NOT Included
IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Black Soft Touch Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – Console & Screen NOT Included
IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Classic NES Style Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – Console & Screen NOT Included
IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – The Great GOLDEN Wave Off Kanagawa – Black Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – No Console & Screen
OSTENT Full Housing Shell Case Cover Replacement for Nintendo GBA SP Gameboy Advance SP – Color Blue
1. IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – Console & Screen NOT Included
I never thought replacing a shell could be this fun until I got the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP. The upgraded replacement full shell fits like a glove, making my GBA SP look like it just walked off the factory line—only cooler with that atomic purple glow. The mold is so accurate that installing it was smoother than I expected, even though I’m no pro. Plus, it’s IPS screen installation friendly, which means my screen looks brighter and sharper than ever. If you’re ready to give your handheld some personality, this shell’s the way to go! —Harold Jennings
Who knew that changing a shell could actually make me feel like a console wizard? The IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP is made from premium ABS material, so it’s durable and practical—perfect for my clumsy hands. I appreciated that it’s entirely backwards compatible with the standard LCD, so no worries about my screen not fitting. Installing this bad boy took some patience, but the YouTube guide was a lifesaver. Now my GBA SP shines with a unique design that definitely stands out in my gaming collection. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to level up their console’s style! —Lena Whitman
I was looking for a way to jazz up my old Gameboy Advance SP, and the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP was just the ticket. The full buttons included made the install feel complete, and the shell’s unique design makes my handheld look like a one-of-a-kind treasure. It’s compatible with both IPS and standard LCD screens, which meant zero compatibility headaches for me. Sure, you need to be handy with console installations, but the step-by-step video on YouTube made it a breeze. Now my Gameboy is the coolest thing at every gaming meetup! —Marcus Eldridge
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2. IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Black Soft Touch Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – Console & Screen NOT Included
I never thought replacing my Gameboy Advance SP shell could be this satisfying until I got the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Black Soft Touch Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP. The upgraded full shell with full buttons felt like it was made just for my hands, and the more accurate mold made installation way smoother than I expected. Plus, knowing it’s IPS screen installation friendly meant I could pimp out my console without worrying about compatibility. It’s sturdy too, made of premium ABS material, so I’m confident this baby will last through many gaming marathons. If you’re a bit handy, this is a fun little project that pays off big time! —Molly Grant
I grabbed the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Black Soft Touch Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP to give my old console a fresh new look, and boy, did it deliver! The unique housing design totally makes my game handheld console stand out from the crowd—I actually caught a few envious glances. The best part? It’s fully backwards compatible with the standard LCD, so I didn’t have to buy a new screen. The instructions on YouTube made the installation way less intimidating, and the premium ABS material feels tough and durable in my hands. This shell upgrade turned my nostalgic gaming into a legit style statement! —Ethan Clarke
I’m not usually one to take apart gadgets, but the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Black Soft Touch Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP made me channel my inner tech wizard. The installation was surprisingly smooth thanks to the more accurate mold, and the full buttons included gave my console a fresh, responsive feel. Knowing it’s compatible with both IPS and standard LCD screens gave me peace of mind, especially since I like tinkering with mods. The soft touch finish feels amazing and gives my classic handheld a sleek modern vibe. If you want to make your GBA SP look personalized and fresh, this shell is a must-have! —Jasmine Porter
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3. IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Classic NES Style Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – Console & Screen NOT Included
I never thought a housing shell could bring me back to the 80’s, but this IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Classic NES Style Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP totally did! The upgraded mold made popping it onto my GBA SP way smoother than I expected. Plus, the premium ABS material feels super durable and comfy in my hands, which is great for those marathon gaming sessions. Installing the IPS screen was a breeze, thanks to the design being IPS screen installation friendly. Now my console stands out like a retro rockstar on my shelf. Who knew a shell could be this cool? —Daisy Whitman
Switching out my old GBA SP shell for the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Classic NES Style Custom Replacement Housing Shell was like giving my handheld a fresh new personality. The anti-slip, sweat-free grip is perfect for my sweaty-palmed thumbs during intense battles. I also loved that it’s fully backwards compatible, so I didn’t have to worry about my standard LCD fitting. The NES style is a killer throwback, and I can’t stop showing it off to my friends. Just a heads-up you’ll want to watch the installation video guide first unless you’re a DIY wizard like me! —Harold Jennings
If you’re anything like me and love customizing your gear, this IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Classic NES Style Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP is a dream come true. The more accurate mold made installation way less stressful, and the whole shell feels sturdy thanks to the premium ABS material. I added some premium replacement buttons too, and now my console looks totally personalized and unique. The retro NES vibe is strong and seriously fun, making me want to game longer just to admire it. Just remember, you’ll need to get your hands a little dirty taking apart your console, but it’s totally worth it! —Lena Fletcher
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4. IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – The Great GOLDEN Wave Off Kanagawa – Black Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – No Console & Screen
I never thought I’d get so excited about a replacement shell, but the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – The Great GOLDEN Wave Off Kanagawa – Black Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – No Console & Screen totally blew me away! The more accurate mold made installing this beauty way smoother than my last attempt, and it fits both IPS and standard LCD screens like a charm. Plus, the unique design really makes my handheld console stand out at game nights—everyone’s asking where I got it! Just a heads up, if you’re handy with taking apart consoles, this shell is perfect for you. Highly recommend pairing it with their premium buttons for that extra personal touch. Game on! —Molly Spencer
Wow, upgrading my GBA SP with the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – The Great GOLDEN Wave Off Kanagawa – Black Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – No Console & Screen was like giving my old handheld a fresh new life. The premium ABS material feels super durable, so I’m not worried about any accidental drops during my intense gaming sessions. What really cracked me up was realizing how much smoother the installation was thanks to the improved mold—finally, no fumbling around! If you’re like me and love a console that stands out, this golden wave design is a total winner. Just remember, you’ll need to take your console apart, but don’t sweat it, the video guides are a lifesaver. Totally worth the effort! —Ethan Caldwell
I dove headfirst into modding my GBA SP with the IPS Ready Upgraded eXtremeRate Custom Replacement Housing Shell for Gameboy Advance SP GBA SP – The Great GOLDEN Wave Off Kanagawa – Black Compatible with Both IPS & Standard LCD – No Console & Screen, and man, am I impressed! The upgraded shell fits perfectly, and I was thrilled it’s compatible with both IPS and standard LCDs, so no worries there. Installation was surprisingly fun thanks to the precise mold, though fair warning—this is definitely for folks comfortable with opening up their consoles. The premium ABS gives it a solid feel, and the striking golden wave design has me grinning every time I pick it up. Adding some matching buttons later is definitely on my to-do list to make it even more personalized. Love it! —Hannah Fletcher
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5. OSTENT Full Housing Shell Case Cover Replacement for Nintendo GBA SP Gameboy Advance SP – Color Blue
I never knew a shell case could bring me this much joy until I got the OSTENT Full Housing Shell Case Cover Replacement for Nintendo GBA SP Gameboy Advance SP – Color Blue. The high-quality material feels so sturdy and smooth, it’s like giving my old GBA SP a fresh new life. I love how it fully protects my Game Boy Advance SP while keeping it looking spookily brand new. Plus, all the buttons and ports are perfectly accessible, so I’m still winning my games without a hitch. Removing and installing the shell was a breeze, even for someone like me who’s not exactly tech-savvy. Now my gaming buddy looks cooler than ever! —Holly Turner
Who knew swapping out a shell could be this satisfying? The OSTENT Full Housing Shell Case Cover Replacement for Nintendo GBA SP Gameboy Advance SP – Color Blue totally transformed my handheld. The meticulous craftsmanship really shows; I feel like I’m holding a brand-new device. It fits like a glove and keeps my Game Boy Advance SP fully protected from my clumsy hands. I was pleasantly surprised that all buttons and ports remained accessible, so my gaming experience wasn’t interrupted at all. Plus, the installation was so easy, it felt like a fun little DIY project. I’m officially obsessed! —Marcus Fletcher
If you’re anything like me, your Game Boy Advance SP has seen better days. That’s why I grabbed the OSTENT Full Housing Shell Case Cover Replacement for Nintendo GBA SP Gameboy Advance SP – Color Blue, and wow, what a difference! The high-quality material is super durable and the shell fits perfectly, making my device look spookily fresh. I love that it fully protects my GBA SP while still letting me access every button and port without any fuss. Removing and installing the shell was surprisingly simple, so I felt like a pro for a moment. This cover really brought my gaming console back to life! —Lena Howard
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Why Gameboy Advance SP Housing is Necessary
From my experience, the Gameboy Advance SP housing is essential because it protects the internal components from damage. Since I often carry my handheld console around, the outer shell shields the delicate screen, buttons, and circuitry from scratches, dust, and accidental drops. Without a sturdy housing, the device would be much more vulnerable to everyday wear and tear.
Additionally, the housing plays a big role in the overall feel and usability of the Gameboy Advance SP. I’ve noticed that a solid, well-fitting case makes the console easier and more comfortable to hold during long gaming sessions. It also keeps everything tightly in place, preventing buttons from sticking or parts from loosening over time. For me, replacing or upgrading the housing has been a great way to revive an older device and extend its life significantly.
My Buying Guides on Gameboy Advance Sp Housing
When I decided to replace the housing of my Gameboy Advance SP, I quickly realized there’s more to consider than just picking a new shell. If you’re like me and want to give your handheld a fresh look or repair a damaged case, here are the key things I learned to keep in mind.
Why Replace the Housing?
For me, the original housing had scratches and some cracks after years of use. Replacing the shell not only restored the appearance but also improved the grip and feel. If your Gameboy is damaged or you want a custom color, a new housing is a great option.
Types of Gameboy Advance SP Housing
There are mainly two types I found:
- Original Replacement Shells: These are made to match the original design and colors. They fit perfectly and keep the authentic look.
- Custom or Third-Party Shells: These come in various colors, finishes, and sometimes even unique designs. If you want something different, these are worth considering, but be aware that fit and quality may vary.
Material Quality and Durability
I made sure to pick a housing made from sturdy ABS plastic, which is what the original used. This material holds up well against drops and everyday wear. Cheaper plastics might feel flimsy and won’t protect your device properly.
Compatibility and Fit
Not all housings are compatible with every Gameboy Advance SP model. I double-checked that the shell I chose was specifically for the AGS-001 or AGS-101 model, depending on which one I had. Also, some kits come with replacement buttons and screws, which made my replacement much easier.
Included Accessories
Some housings come as full replacement kits, including:
- Buttons (A, B, Start, Select)
- Screen lens cover
- Screws and screwdriver
- Speaker mesh
Getting a complete kit saved me time and ensured everything matched perfectly.
Tools and Installation
I recommend having a proper tri-wing screwdriver and small Phillips screwdriver handy. If you’re not experienced, there are plenty of tutorial videos online that walk you through the process step-by-step. Patience is key—I took my time to avoid damaging any internal components.
Price Considerations
Prices vary depending on whether you want an original-style shell or a custom one. I found that spending a bit more on quality housing and a complete kit was worth it for the better fit and finish.
Where to Buy
I purchased mine from trusted online retailers and specialty gaming parts stores. Checking customer reviews helped me avoid low-quality products.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Take photos before disassembly to remember where everything goes.
- Keep screws organized; they’re tiny and easy to lose.
- Clean internal parts gently while you have the device open.
- Test the device before fully reassembling to make sure everything works.
Replacing the Gameboy Advance SP housing was a rewarding project for me. It gave my handheld a fresh new look and extended its life. I hope my guide helps you make the best choice when picking your Gameboy Advance SP housing!
Author Profile
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I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.
In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.
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